Work first started in September and according to the council the scheme has reached its half-way mark, with work switching to the opposite side of the street last week

But Mr Raja says the programme of works has left him at ‘breaking point’ during what should be the busiest time of the year for him.

“I just cannot believe they would do this right now,” said Mr Raja. “It is almost Christmas and I should be busy, but because of this fencing, we are so quiet. Instead of taking £1,600 on Wednesday – which is normal – we took just £450.

“I cannot carry on like this. The fencing is putting people off coming to us and the council say it will remain here for weeks. I have spoken to my accountant and he has said that if it continues, I will not make it.

“There is no way I can afford to pay all the bills when I am losing so much money. I fear that I will not be here at Christmas.”

Trinity Street work

But the council claims it is doing all it can to make the shops along Trinity Street accessible to customers during the works.

Coun Rachel Lancaster, cabinet member for public services, said: “We are working in Trinity Street to create a safer and more pleasant environment for everyone – including traders.

“The area where we are working has to be securely fenced although I do understand that this can be frustrating to traders. There is still a wide pavement area outside the shops so businesses can operate as usual.

“But to try and improve the situation, we have provided a break in the fencing about half way along Trinity Street, giving pedestrians better access to the shops and cafes.

"Once we start to lay the paving we will do it in sections so that as many of the shops as possible are accessible to people.

“We will also put up lots of additional signs so it’s clear that the shops are open as normal and one of my officers has been to go and talk, individually to every trader